Effects of sample size on fish parasite prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity estimates

This study considers the effects of sample size on estimates of three parasitological indices (prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity) in four different host–parasite systems, each showing a different pattern of infection. Monte Carlo simulation procedures were used in order to obtain an estimation of the parasitological indices, as well as their variance and bias, based on samples of different size. Although results showed that mean values of all indices were similar irrespective of sample size, estimates of prevalence were not significantly affected by sample size whereas mean abundance and mean intensity were affected in at least one sample. Underestimation of values was more perceptible in small (<40) sample sizes. Distribution of the estimated values revealed a different arrangement according to the host–parasite system and to the parasitological parameter. Monte Carlo simulation procedures are, therefore, suggested to be included in studies concerning estimation of parasitological parameters.